Lois Kazakoff: UC priorities

A group of UC profs think so, and are convinced that subsidizing any portion of the intercollegiate athletic program at the public university is misguided. As UC computer science Professor Brian Barsky points out, “It is a myth that athletics bring big bucks to the university at large. Even the NCAA reported that there is no reason to believe that increased spending on athletics increases alumni donations.”

The question is not: Does college need intercollegiate athletics? It does. Competition is healthy. Sports contribute to our well-being and sense of community. But at some point, sports entertainment becomes the goal rather than nurturing player-scholars. So the question is: Should intercollegiate sports programs’ costs be escalating so rapidly — some describe the rise as an “arms race” — and the university picking up the difference between expenses and revenues?

With shrinking state revenues forcing the university to raise fees and cut classes and salaries, this debate was inevitable. Barsky says it is all a matter of priorities. His priorities are clear: Academics first.